Arsenal are one of England's most successful and widely supported clubs, famous for the unbeaten "Invincibles" season and a long FA Cup tradition. Here's who they are and how to read their odds.
Who Arsenal are
City and stadium
Arsenal were founded in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, south-east London, and moved to Highbury in north London in 1913. In 2006 they moved to the Emirates Stadium, a short walk from Highbury in Islington.
Famous eras
- Herbert Chapman: in the 1930s, the club won multiple league titles and introduced innovations still seen in football today.
- The Wenger years: under Arsène Wenger, appointed in 1996, Arsenal won league and cup doubles and played attractive, fast football. The 2003-04 "Invincibles" went the entire Premier League season unbeaten, a feat no other team has achieved in the Premier League era.
- FA Cup tradition: Arsenal have historically been one of the most successful clubs in FA Cup history.
- Rebuilding and return: after Wenger, the club went through a transition before returning to regular title contention.
Rivalries
The North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur is Arsenal's fiercest rivalry. Clashes with Manchester United defined the late 1990s and early 2000s, and Chelsea offers a big London rivalry.
How to read odds on Arsenal matches
Reading the 1X2 market
An Arsenal home match against a mid-table opponent might be priced:
- Arsenal: 1.50 (66.7%)
- Draw: 4.50 (22.2%)
- Opponent: 6.50 (15.4%)
- Total: 104.3%
Fair probabilities: about 64%, 21% and 15%. See soccer 3-way odds.
Draws and derbies
Big derbies like the North London derby are often tighter than the gap between the teams suggests. Draw prices may be shorter than usual in these matches. Whether derby intensity really changes outcomes is debated, but it's worth considering the draw seriously.
Worked example: draw no bet
Arsenal draw no bet at 1.35.
- Arsenal win: profit 0.35 per unit.
- Draw: stake returned.
- Arsenal lose: lose stake.
Using the fair probabilities above (64% win, 21% draw, 15% loss), stake 20:
- EV = 0.64 × 7 + 0.21 × 0 − 0.15 × 20 = 4.48 − 3.0 = +1.48
With these illustrative numbers, draw no bet looks attractive, but real prices include a margin that usually makes them close to fair. The point is to understand what each market rewards. See soccer 3-way odds.
Set pieces and totals
Teams that are strong from corners and free kicks can score in tight matches when open play is locked down. That's worth considering for goal markets. Totals in the Premier League are commonly set at 2.5 goals, with prices adjusting to expected scoring.
Big-six matches
When Arsenal play other top clubs, the market is usually much tighter. A typical big-six match might be priced around 2.40 / 3.40 / 3.00, implying roughly 40% / 28% / 32% after the margin. These games are close to coin flips with a sizeable draw chance, and small details like injuries to key midfielders or a congested week can swing them. They're also the matches most influenced by public opinion, since millions of fans have a view. Write down your own estimate before you look at the price, then compare. See how to read a matchup.
What to check before picking Arsenal matches
- Team news, usually confirmed about an hour before kickoff.
- Fixture congestion around European and cup matches.
- Derby or big-six matches, where draws may be more likely.
- Opponent style: deep defences vs open teams.
- Set-piece strength for goal markets.
- The price. See implied probability.
Futures and season-long markets
If Arsenal are 3.50 to win the league, the implied chance is 1 ÷ 3.50 = 28.6%. Title races often come down to a few matches between the top teams. Top-four finish markets may offer a different way to express a view. See championship odds.
Practice with play money
Arsenal matches are a good way to practice reading 1X2 markets and draw no bet. On MockSport you can make free play-money picks on Arsenal matches, including draws, and track results across a season. Visit the odds page.
FAQ
Who were the Invincibles?
Arsenal's 2003-04 team, which went the entire Premier League season unbeaten.
Where do Arsenal play?
At the Emirates Stadium in Islington, north London, their home since 2006.
What is the North London derby?
The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, one of the fiercest in English football.